The star quarterback for the Clemson Tigers outlines the primary factors that led to his decision to return.

In the world of college football, the decision of whether to stay or leave for the NFL can be one of the most defining moments of a player’s career. For Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik, that decision came after a season filled with challenges, growth, and ultimately, hope for the future. With the 2024 NFL Draft looming and a successful collegiate career ahead of him, Klubnik faced the ultimate question: Should he declare for the NFL Draft, or return to Clemson for another year to continue his development under head coach Dabo Swinney and the Tigers’ coaching staff?

The decision weighed heavily on the young quarterback. The chance to enter the professional ranks, where the rewards and challenges are immense, was undeniably tempting. But as Klubnik reflected on his journey thus far—his experiences, his relationships with teammates and coaches, and his long-term goals—he ultimately chose to return to Clemson for another season. It was a decision that would prove pivotal not only for his future but also for the Tigers’ championship aspirations in the coming year.

In a candid interview, Klubnik shared the primary factors that led to his choice to return to Clemson for another season. For him, the decision wasn’t just about personal ambition or career advancement—it was a combination of personal growth, team dynamics, and the opportunity to achieve more on the field and in the classroom.

Factor 1: Personal Growth and Development

The first and perhaps most important reason Cade Klubnik chose to return to Clemson for another year was his belief that he still had room for significant personal growth and development. Though he had already shown flashes of brilliance during his time as the Tigers’ starting quarterback, Klubnik recognized that there were areas of his game that needed refinement before making the leap to the NFL. He knew that returning to Clemson would give him the opportunity to further develop his skills in a familiar environment, with a coaching staff that had helped nurture him from the beginning.

“When I first arrived at Clemson, I had a lot to learn, and I still feel like I’m growing every day. I’ve learned so much over the past year, and I know I’m not where I want to be yet,” Klubnik said. “There are still areas of my game—my accuracy, my decision-making, and my overall understanding of the offense—that I want to continue to develop. I believe that another year under coach Swinney and with our staff will give me the best chance to reach my potential. The NFL isn’t going anywhere, but I want to make sure I’m fully prepared when that time comes.”

For Klubnik, the decision to return was about more than just playing time. It was about making sure he was ready for the demands of the next level. As a young quarterback, continuing to refine his mechanics, study defenses, and hone his leadership skills was paramount. While he had made strides in his freshman season, he understood that he would be better equipped for professional success if he stayed at Clemson for one more year, improving in all areas of his game.

Factor 2: The Opportunity to Lead the Team

Another key factor in Klubnik’s decision to return was the opportunity to step into a leadership role on the team. While he had already shown glimpses of his leadership abilities in his first season as a starter, Klubnik knew that returning to Clemson would give him the chance to fully embrace the leadership role as the unquestioned leader of the Tigers’ offense. He wanted to continue building chemistry with his teammates and solidify his place as the leader in the locker room.

Clemson’s program has long been built on a foundation of leadership, and Klubnik saw his return as an opportunity to develop his skills as a vocal and effective leader. “I’m the quarterback, and with that position comes a great responsibility to lead—not just on the field but off the field as well,” he explained. “When I first got to Clemson, I was learning from guys like Trevor Lawrence, who showed me what it means to be a true leader. Now, I have a chance to do the same for the younger guys and take on more of that responsibility myself. That’s something that excites me.”

Klubnik’s desire to take on a larger leadership role was driven by his belief in the team’s potential. Despite the challenges the Tigers faced during the 2023 season, Klubnik remained confident that the team could achieve great things in 2024. He felt that returning to Clemson would allow him to guide his teammates through the ups and downs of a season, helping to mold the Tigers into a championship contender.

“Being a leader is about more than just calling the plays or making big throws. It’s about creating a culture where everyone believes in each other, where we hold each other accountable, and where we push each other to be better,” Klubnik said. “I want to help take this team to the next level, and I believe we can do that in 2024.”

Factor 3: The Chance to Win a National Championship

Winning a national championship is the pinnacle of college football, and for Klubnik, it was one of the most compelling reasons to return to Clemson for another season. As a highly touted recruit, he had arrived at Clemson with dreams of leading the Tigers to a national title. While the Tigers had come close in recent years, Klubnik was determined to help restore Clemson to its rightful place at the top of college football.

“I came to Clemson to win championships,” Klubnik said. “We’ve been close a couple of times, and we’ve had some setbacks, but I know this team has the potential to compete for a national championship. I want to be a part of that journey. I feel like there’s unfinished business here, and I believe we have the pieces in place to make another run at it.”

In his decision to return, Klubnik reflected on the legacy of Clemson football, which has been built on sustained success and championship aspirations. Returning for his sophomore season allowed him to continue building toward that goal while also contributing to the development of the program for years to come. The chance to lead the Tigers to a national championship in 2024 was an opportunity that was simply too important to pass up.

“The legacy at Clemson means something. We have a standard here, and I want to be a part of continuing that tradition,” Klubnik said. “It’s not just about me—it’s about the program, the fans, and the entire Clemson community. There’s a lot of pride in this place, and I want to help bring another championship back to Clemson.”

Factor 4: The Influence of Coach Dabo Swinney

No discussion of Cade Klubnik’s decision to return would be complete without mentioning the influence of Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney. Swinney’s leadership, coaching philosophy, and commitment to developing players have had a profound impact on Klubnik’s growth as both a football player and a person. Klubnik’s decision to stay for another year was greatly influenced by his trust and respect for Swinney, who had helped him navigate his first year as a starting quarterback.

“Coach Swinney has been huge for me,” Klubnik explained. “He’s not just a coach; he’s a mentor and a father figure. From the first day I stepped on campus, he believed in me and invested in my development—not just as a player but as a person. I know that returning for another year means continuing to learn from him and getting better in every area of my life.”

Swinney’s reputation for developing quarterbacks, from Deshaun Watson to Trevor Lawrence, played a big part in Klubnik’s decision. Swinney has a track record of getting the best out of his quarterbacks, and Klubnik knew that another year under his tutelage would help him reach his full potential.

“Coach Swinney knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and he’s helped a lot of quarterbacks get to the NFL. I trust him, and I know that he has my best interests at heart. That trust is a huge factor in my decision to come back,” Klubnik said.

Factor 5: The Support of His Family and Teammates

Finally, one of the most personal factors in Cade Klubnik’s decision to return to Clemson was the support of his family and teammates. Throughout his journey, Klubnik has leaned on the guidance and encouragement of those closest to him. His family, in particular, played a crucial role in helping him weigh the pros and cons of turning pro versus returning to school.

“My family has been incredible throughout this entire process,” Klubnik shared. “They’ve always been there to support me and help me make the right decisions. At the end of the day, they want what’s best for me, and they know how much I love being at Clemson. They’ve been a big part of my decision.”

In addition to his family’s support, Klubnik felt a strong bond with his teammates. The relationships he had developed in his first year at Clemson were deep, and he wanted to continue to be a part of the team’s journey toward greatness.

“I love my teammates. They’re like brothers to me,” Klubnik said. “We’ve been through a lot together, and I’m excited to continue working with them. This team has a special bond, and I’m looking forward to building on that in 2024.”